I feel sorry for Greg Martin SGI-USA study department chief
I believe that he started out a true seeker of the way but despite having realized the truth, he continues to assert that SGI teachings are the true teachings of the Daishonin. In a way, I feel sorry for him.
In 1995 everyone was raving about Greg martin and what a dynamic speaker he was. A few months later, he came to our meeting. TBH, I couldn't understand what all the hype was about. Mr Martin came across as long-winded and somewhat detached. Certainly not warm.
Remember Ted Osaki? There was an encouraging, dynamic leader.
I met Greg Martin at an SGI-USA retreat at the FNCC in Weston, Florida back in 2011 or 2012. I signed up to get guidance from him and before we even began the meeting he was in some sort of foul mood was horribly discouraging. I should have gotten up and left as his so-called guidance was crap. The following day, I told him how disappointed I was in him and he just brushed me off. A total insensitive jerk! No one in the SGI USA senior leadership has ever treated me like that.
Hi Tamara. Good speaker, bad speaker, the important criteria for Nichiren is speaking with Sutra in hand,
Someone once wrote about his favorite guidance from Ted Osaki:
"Of course, my favorite "guidance" was when Ted Osaki told my wife to leave me, take MY Gohonzon, my daughter, my car, all the money in the bank, and go to her parent's house. Not only that but she did it on the very same day that I lost my job."
Another wrote:
"I have Ted Osaki on tape stating that those who don't take Ikeda into their heart or those who turn their backs on Ikeda will burn in hell for eternity."
He never impressed me. He was arrogant and failed to follow the teachings.
Hello believer's.....the purpose of our faith....is to be rock stars in our own right......BUDDHA'S......that is what what human revolution is all...about...elevating ourselves.....through our understanding of the Law...not Person.......Greg Martin vs Ted Osaki...Joe Montana VS Franis Frantarkinton....old football legends....old NSA/ SGI LEADER'S....THE POINT IS THE MESSAGE...NOT THE MESSENGER......WE ARE TO HUNG UP ON PERSONALITIES...THAT WE NEVER LEARN ABOUT THE INNER GREATNESS WE POSSESS....LASTLY THIS TEMPLE SGI SPLIT...IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THE PROTESTANT CATHOLIC......SEPARATION....AND ALL THE MEMBERS THAT SIDE WITH THE TEMPLE VS SGI......ONLY HAVE PERSONAL RESENTMENTS THAT....MAKE THIS MISFORTUNE OF IDEOLOGY...RELEVANT....BUT IN REALITY IT IS NOT RELEVANT IN TERMS OF DOCTRINE....MOST BITTERNESS LIKE THE DEBATE ABOVE SHOWS THIS POINT AS CLEAR AS CRYSTAL.....REALLY WHO WAS A OR IS A BETTER SPEAKER......MS JACOB'S U OBVIOUSLY DECIDED NOT TO LIKE GREG MARTIN OR NOT ACCEPT WHAT HE SAID....FOR THE VERY REASON PPL HYPED HIM UP......AS THE BEST THING SINCE THE BEETLES OR MIK JAGGER....U WANTED TO HAVE AN ADVERSE SPIRIT...MARK....UR SARCASM....ABOUT TED OSASKI....AND HIM INSTRUCTING UR WIFE TO DO THINGS U SITED...IS TOO ME AN CONTENTIOUS OBSERVER WITH OUT A STAKE IN EITHER OF UR ARGUEMENTS.....I JUST WANT TO ASK PPL TO UNDERSTAND.....THAT FOURTEEN SLANDERS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS....AND THE EIGHT WINDS...TALK ABOUT CONDITIONS...THAT WE WILL FACE....BUT HOW WE HANDLE OURSELVES IN THE FACE OUR ADVERSITY'S IS ALL THAT MATTER....NICHIREN SAID....PARA PHRASING IT AIN'T MY FAULT IF UR PRAYERS AREN'T ANSWERED....IT IS ABOUT THE POWER OF UR FAITH......SO SINCE THIS NICHIRENS BUDDHISM WE PRACTICE NOT GREG MARTIN'S TED...OR MISTER WILLIAMS....MISTER ZAITSU...NOR ANY OF THE THREE PRESIDENTS TEACHING...WHY AND WHAT...ARE WE TALKING ABOUT.....PRACTICING THIS BUDDHISM CORRECTLY.....NOT BEING GROUPY'S...AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT U BOTH SOUND LIKE...HATERS WHO THE PERSON'S AND NOT THE LAW......NO DISRESPECT INTENDED....BUT HOW IS THIS GONNA BRING ABOUT WORLD PEACE.....IF WE ARGUE GORBACHEV.....VERSES TRUMP OBAMA OR ANWAR SADDAT.....LAW ABOVE THE PERSON FEEL ME....LETS PRAYER TOGETHER SO WE CAN STAY TOGETHER.......
Unrelated question to anyone here. What's up with "demons" in the scroll? The parable of the 10 demon daughters and the talk of deities in the scroll? I thought that this was an atheistic religion or philosophy? I've been wanting someone to explain this in terms that don't call up scenes from The Exorcist. For real.
you are correct it is an aesthetic religion. In Buddhist philosophy references to demons and deities are referring to states of life or protective/negative forces. I hope that makes sense.
Cassandra, not according to Nichiren and Ichinen Sanzen[ both within and without]. Do you or your mentor know more than Nichiren? What about the Buddhist gods?
In regards to the concept of gods and deities these are metaphorical. They represent the forces within all life that serve to help us. They are not referring to gods Per se. You must remember the time period in which these were written and for whom they were intended. Nichiren was speaking to the capacity of the people of that time and place. In regards to not liking the guidance or personality of the person one must remember it is "the oneness of the person and the law" not the oneness of the personality and the law" Personally I have received guidance from Greg many many times and know him fairly well. He is kind and warm but not always everyones cup of tea. He is direct and to the point and can be strict at times, but I never doubted his sincerity for my victory and my happiness. We often will be disappointed by others but if we think that they are supposed to be better than us and never make mistakes then we have missed the entire point of this practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Quitting our practice because we don't like someone or something is like walking away from your car in the middle road and never driving again because someone cut you off or was rude to you. The only person that really loses is you! It's easy to criticize but real human revolution take real inner fortitude and courage!
I suppose the "intermediate 49 day period" (latent Eagle Peak) too is merely a metaphor. You are an icchantika (man or woman of incorrigible disbelief). This is what Ikeda has done to you (as your condition). You don't even realize that there are causes AND conditions, despite your 38 years practice of Ikedaism.
The same thing that's up with the demons that exist in the hearts and minds of the mentally ill such as schizophrenics and those with bipolar disorder.
I deleted my first response because I realized that I didn't understand if you were being snarky or sincere and my response sounded sarcastic when that was not my intent. You kind of didn't answer my question. Why would they have them on the gohonzon if demons are affiliated with schizophrenia or mental disability? Many Christians believe in demons but that doesn't make them mentally ill and it doesn't make them actually worship them in their services. It was an honest question. I'm not throwing shade but if you don't have an answer that's cool.
For one it was 12th century Japan! This was that world of understanding. They were relating to the capacity of the people then 2)Everything on the Gohonzon is representative of all the conditions existing in life. Unlike much of Christianity there is no judgement attached to them. They are just conditions and states of life that exist in the saha world. The one thing that is acknowledged on the Gohonzon is that within each one of these life states exists also the state of buddhahood or enlightenment. Whether it be the life state of anger or hell there is a Buddha nature within that state which can be tapped into by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
The teaching we follow is also known as mutual possession of the Ten Worlds...that within each of the ten worlds lies latent the other ten worlds. By this teaching we come to understand that the Worlds of Hell, Anger, and Animality [Demon Worlds] are contained in the world of Buddhahood and the World of Buddhahood is contained within the Three Lower Worlds. This is the rationale for being able to attain Buddhahood despite our circumstances.
Mark you seem to be hell bent about the SGI . I started practicing 9 years ago and although I may not agree on everything leaders do , I see no issue with another having a mentor in life . This world could use allot of guidance that's for sure . And I never felt pressured once in 9 years to stay or leave . Mentor's being the Buddha himself to all our mentors in the SGI . I don't see it as ikedaism , just a mentor giving guidance . And knowing there was no priesthood was very appealing to me being a recovering catholic . And Ikeda stresses our relationship to the Gohonzon is most important and the writings of ND . I disagree with the Cult label , save that for the Jim Jones type . You seem to be cult like in your long drawn attacks on the SGI . Naming your site Eagle Peak is pathetic and frankly allot of what you say is pathetic and anger filled . As far as Protection in this life , does not mean we will not succumb to a Karmatic event , we are protected in this life and we chant to be further protected upon death . I was recently angry my mom didn't make it to 100 and died at 82 . Although I chanted the past 9 years she would , I realized my chanting for her may have prolonged her life longer . And no chanting for her eternal happiness , you or I don't know if in her next life she does make a 100 . All I do see is the SGI and its direction in ND Buddhism helping many overcome some tough situations in their life and becoming happy . I see no harm at all in that . Encouraging that one person in front of us is not bad advice from Ikeda . I think you may need to build a stronger foundation in your own life because what comes out of your mouth is quick sand . NMRK 🙏
All fine and good Unknowmn but don't lie that your Shingon faith and practice of Guru Yoga is the Lotus Sutra Buddhism of Nichiren. It is not. May I suggest you read:
I understand your point. That is the irrigation that runs the organization. For me, we must not lose focus on faith and writing. That is why we must follow the law and not the people.
I am a member of Argentina and I read with interest this debate, I think we should follow the law and not the people.and that shakyamuni already detected arrogance as one of the innate poisons of the human being. let's not forget this we are only people and we have the ten states. On the other hand I consider that one should be careful when criticizing another member. ignorance is the root of all suffering ..
All I hear is anger and unhappiness from you! It is arrogance that will make you suffer more than anything else. I have practiced for 38 years and I've had plenty of issues over the years with people and polices but I didn't quit because of them. Our karma is not what happens to us. It is what we do with happens to us that is our karma. This seems to be your response. Is it making you happy?
Anger from me? Of course you would state that. You have no mirror. Your Nichikan No-Honzon replaces Shakyamuni of the Juryo chapter of the Lotus Sutra with Daisaku Ikeda.You sir or madam are destined for the Avici Hell. As Nichiren would say, "a pity, a shame." You couldn't comprehend the profundity of my happiness, joy, causes, conditions and effects. I have a suggestion for you, why don't you sing a few bars of Forever Sensei. You will feel better,
In 1995 everyone was raving about Greg martin and what a dynamic speaker he was. A few months later, he came to our meeting. TBH, I couldn't understand what all the hype was about. Mr Martin came across as long-winded and somewhat detached. Certainly not warm.
ReplyDeleteRemember Ted Osaki? There was an encouraging, dynamic leader.
I met Greg Martin at an SGI-USA retreat at the FNCC in Weston, Florida back in 2011 or 2012. I signed up to get guidance from him and before we even began the meeting he was in some sort of foul mood was horribly discouraging. I should have gotten up and left as his so-called guidance was crap. The following day, I told him how disappointed I was in him and he just brushed me off. A total insensitive jerk! No one in the SGI USA senior leadership has ever treated me like that.
Deleteeven if the seniors lovebomb you to death, what comes out of their mouths (M/D) is poison.
DeleteHi Tamara. Good speaker, bad speaker, the important criteria for Nichiren is speaking with Sutra in hand,
ReplyDeleteSomeone once wrote about his favorite guidance from Ted Osaki:
"Of course, my favorite "guidance" was when Ted Osaki told my
wife to leave me, take MY Gohonzon, my daughter, my car, all the
money in the bank, and go to her parent's house. Not only that
but she did it on the very same day that I lost my job."
Another wrote:
"I have Ted Osaki on tape stating that those who don't take Ikeda into
their heart or those who turn their backs on Ikeda will burn in hell for eternity."
He never impressed me. He was arrogant and failed to follow the teachings.
Hello believer's.....the purpose of our faith....is to be rock stars in our own right......BUDDHA'S......that is what what human revolution is all...about...elevating ourselves.....through our understanding of the Law...not Person.......Greg Martin vs Ted Osaki...Joe Montana VS Franis Frantarkinton....old football legends....old NSA/ SGI LEADER'S....THE POINT IS THE MESSAGE...NOT THE MESSENGER......WE ARE TO HUNG UP ON PERSONALITIES...THAT WE NEVER LEARN ABOUT THE INNER GREATNESS WE POSSESS....LASTLY THIS TEMPLE SGI SPLIT...IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THE PROTESTANT CATHOLIC......SEPARATION....AND ALL THE MEMBERS THAT SIDE WITH THE TEMPLE VS SGI......ONLY HAVE PERSONAL RESENTMENTS THAT....MAKE THIS MISFORTUNE OF IDEOLOGY...RELEVANT....BUT IN REALITY IT IS NOT RELEVANT IN TERMS OF DOCTRINE....MOST BITTERNESS LIKE THE DEBATE ABOVE SHOWS THIS POINT AS CLEAR AS CRYSTAL.....REALLY WHO WAS A OR IS A BETTER SPEAKER......MS JACOB'S U OBVIOUSLY DECIDED NOT TO LIKE GREG MARTIN OR NOT ACCEPT WHAT HE SAID....FOR THE VERY REASON PPL HYPED HIM UP......AS THE BEST THING SINCE THE BEETLES OR MIK JAGGER....U WANTED TO HAVE AN ADVERSE SPIRIT...MARK....UR SARCASM....ABOUT TED OSASKI....AND HIM INSTRUCTING UR WIFE TO DO THINGS U SITED...IS TOO ME AN CONTENTIOUS OBSERVER WITH OUT A STAKE IN EITHER OF UR ARGUEMENTS.....I JUST WANT TO ASK PPL TO UNDERSTAND.....THAT FOURTEEN SLANDERS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS....AND THE EIGHT WINDS...TALK ABOUT CONDITIONS...THAT WE WILL FACE....BUT HOW WE HANDLE OURSELVES IN THE FACE OUR ADVERSITY'S IS ALL THAT MATTER....NICHIREN SAID....PARA PHRASING IT AIN'T MY FAULT IF UR PRAYERS AREN'T ANSWERED....IT IS ABOUT THE POWER OF UR FAITH......SO SINCE THIS NICHIRENS BUDDHISM WE PRACTICE NOT GREG MARTIN'S TED...OR MISTER WILLIAMS....MISTER ZAITSU...NOR ANY OF THE THREE PRESIDENTS TEACHING...WHY AND WHAT...ARE WE TALKING ABOUT.....PRACTICING THIS BUDDHISM CORRECTLY.....NOT BEING GROUPY'S...AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT U BOTH SOUND LIKE...HATERS WHO THE PERSON'S AND NOT THE LAW......NO DISRESPECT INTENDED....BUT HOW IS THIS GONNA BRING ABOUT WORLD PEACE.....IF WE ARGUE GORBACHEV.....VERSES TRUMP OBAMA OR ANWAR SADDAT.....LAW ABOVE THE PERSON FEEL ME....LETS PRAYER TOGETHER SO WE CAN STAY TOGETHER.......
ReplyDeleteAnthony, SGI Mentor-Disciple doctrine is follow the person not the Law. Open your eyes.
ReplyDeleteUnrelated question to anyone here. What's up with "demons" in the scroll? The parable of the 10 demon daughters and the talk of deities in the scroll? I thought that this was an atheistic religion or philosophy? I've been wanting someone to explain this in terms that don't call up scenes from The Exorcist. For real.
ReplyDeleteyou are correct it is an aesthetic religion. In Buddhist philosophy references to demons and deities are referring to states of life or protective/negative forces. I hope that makes sense.
DeleteCassandra, not according to Nichiren and Ichinen Sanzen[
Deleteboth within and without]. Do you or your mentor know more than Nichiren? What about the Buddhist gods?
In regards to the concept of gods and deities these are metaphorical. They represent the forces within all life that serve to help us. They are not referring to gods Per se. You must remember the time period in which these were written and for whom they were intended. Nichiren was speaking to the capacity of the people of that time and place.
DeleteIn regards to not liking the guidance or personality of the person one must remember it is "the oneness of the person and the law" not the oneness of the personality and the law"
Personally I have received guidance from Greg many many times and know him fairly well. He is kind and warm but not always everyones cup of tea. He is direct and to the point and can be strict at times, but I never doubted his sincerity for my victory and my happiness. We often will be disappointed by others but if we think that they are supposed to be better than us and never make mistakes then we have missed the entire point of this practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Quitting our practice because we don't like someone or something is like walking away from your car in the middle road and never driving again because someone cut you off or was rude to you. The only person that really loses is you! It's easy to criticize but real human revolution take real inner fortitude and courage!
I suppose the "intermediate 49 day period" (latent Eagle Peak) too is merely a metaphor. You are an icchantika (man or woman of incorrigible disbelief). This is what Ikeda has done to you (as your condition). You don't even realize that there are causes AND conditions, despite your 38 years practice of Ikedaism.
DeleteThe same thing that's up with the demons that exist in the hearts and minds of the mentally ill such as schizophrenics and those with bipolar disorder.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI deleted my first response because I realized that I didn't understand if you were being snarky or sincere and my response sounded sarcastic when that was not my intent. You kind of didn't answer my question. Why would they have them on the gohonzon if demons are affiliated with schizophrenia or mental disability? Many Christians believe in demons but that doesn't make them mentally ill and it doesn't make them actually worship them in their services. It was an honest question. I'm not throwing shade but if you don't have an answer that's cool.
DeleteFor one it was 12th century Japan! This was that world of understanding. They were relating to the capacity of the people then 2)Everything on the Gohonzon is representative of all the conditions existing in life. Unlike much of Christianity there is no judgement attached to them. They are just conditions and states of life that exist in the saha world. The one thing that is acknowledged on the Gohonzon is that within each one of these life states exists also the state of buddhahood or enlightenment. Whether it be the life state of anger or hell there is a Buddha nature within that state which can be tapped into by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
DeleteThe teaching we follow is also known as mutual possession of the Ten Worlds...that within each of the ten worlds lies latent the other ten worlds. By this teaching we come to understand that the Worlds of Hell, Anger, and Animality [Demon Worlds] are contained in the world of Buddhahood and the World of Buddhahood is contained within the Three Lower Worlds. This is the rationale for being able to attain Buddhahood despite our circumstances.
ReplyDeleteOr precisely because of them [hard circumstances].
ReplyDeleteMark you seem to be hell bent about the SGI . I started practicing 9 years ago and although I may not agree on everything leaders do , I see no issue with another having a mentor in life . This world could use allot of guidance that's for sure . And I never felt pressured once in 9 years to stay or leave . Mentor's being the Buddha himself to all our mentors in the SGI . I don't see it as ikedaism , just a mentor giving guidance . And knowing there was no priesthood was very appealing to me being a recovering catholic . And Ikeda stresses our relationship to the Gohonzon is most important and the writings of ND . I disagree with the Cult label , save that for the Jim Jones type . You seem to be cult like in your long drawn attacks on the SGI . Naming your site Eagle Peak is pathetic and frankly allot of what you say is pathetic and anger filled . As far as Protection in this life , does not mean we will not succumb to a Karmatic event , we are protected in this life and we chant to be further protected upon death . I was recently angry my mom didn't make it to 100 and died at 82 . Although I chanted the past 9 years she would , I realized my chanting for her may have prolonged her life longer . And no chanting for her eternal happiness , you or I don't know if in her next life she does make a 100 . All I do see is the SGI and its direction in ND Buddhism helping many overcome some tough situations in their life and becoming happy . I see no harm at all in that . Encouraging that one person in front of us is not bad advice from Ikeda . I think you may need to build a stronger foundation in your own life because what comes out of your mouth is quick sand . NMRK 🙏
ReplyDeleteAll fine and good Unknowmn but don't lie that your Shingon faith and practice of Guru Yoga is the Lotus Sutra Buddhism of Nichiren. It is not. May I suggest you read:
ReplyDeletehttp://markrogow.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-definitive-analysis-on-why-sgi-is.html
and
http://markrogow.blogspot.com/2017/04/disproving-sgis-assertions-of.html
http://markrogow.blogspot.com/2016/10/ephemeral-or-everlasting-liberation.html
http://markrogow.blogspot.com/2016/07/there-is-no-need-for-living-mentor-in.html
http://markrogow.blogspot.com/2017/02/no-intercession-by-high-priest-or-sgi.html
I suggest that you read the comment section of the definitive analysis on why SGI is a cult.
ReplyDeleteI understand your point. That is the irrigation that runs the organization. For me, we must not lose focus on faith and writing. That is why we must follow the law and not the people.
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteI am a member of Argentina and I read with interest this debate, I think we should follow the law and not the people.and that shakyamuni already detected arrogance as one of the innate poisons of the human being. let's not forget this we are only people and we have the ten states. On the other hand I consider that one should be careful when criticizing another member. ignorance is the root of all suffering ..
ReplyDelete"We are only people and we have ten states" is no excuse for altering the teachings.
ReplyDeleteAll I hear is anger and unhappiness from you! It is arrogance that will make you suffer more than anything else. I have practiced for 38 years and I've had plenty of issues over the years with people and polices but I didn't quit because of them.
DeleteOur karma is not what happens to us. It is what we do with happens to us that is our karma. This seems to be your response. Is it making you happy?
Also, I don't believe Nichiren would consider Soka Gakkai "Forever Sensei" to be disciples of Nichiren or votaries of the Lotus Sutra."
ReplyDeleteAnger from me? Of course you would state that. You have no mirror. Your Nichikan No-Honzon replaces Shakyamuni of the Juryo chapter of the Lotus Sutra with Daisaku Ikeda.You sir or madam are destined for the Avici Hell. As Nichiren would say, "a pity, a shame." You couldn't comprehend the profundity of my happiness, joy, causes, conditions and effects. I have a suggestion for you, why don't you sing a few bars of Forever Sensei. You will feel better,
ReplyDeleteYou seem so angry and bitter @ Mark.what really happened to you? What is your personal experience that has made you so resentful? Are you happy?
ReplyDeleteI onl seem angry and bitter to those without a clear mirror. Perhaps ou are the angry and bitter one.
ReplyDelete